In Russia, lawmakers have been weighing how responsibility should work when people post online. Alexander Khinshtein, who chairs the State Duma Information Policy Committee, has argued that social media posts should carry accountability. He shared this view through his official work on a Telegram channel, emphasizing that the person who publishes is ultimately accountable for what appears on the internet, not just the original publisher. The core message is clear: responsibility follows the information as it travels, not merely the source of the material.
Khinshtein argues that posting a message creates an obligation to stand behind it. Individuals should be answerable for their own posts and for what they share or repost. He insisted that those who publish must be prepared to defend their statements, regardless of whether they originated the material. The central idea is to connect accountability with the act of publishing and the care taken in sharing content, rather than focusing solely on who first introduced the information into public discourse. In this view, the emphasis shifts from tracing the origin to assessing the duty of care exercised by each user on the platform.
At the same time, the Commission on Legislative Activities of the Government of Russia reviewed a 2023 proposal. The commission did not back a bill that would have created administrative liability for individuals based on their likes on social networks. The explanatory note accompanying the measure did not provide evidence showing a need for changes to current law, so the proposal did not advance. This stance reflects a careful balancing act between protecting free expression and regulating online behavior. (citation: State Duma Information Policy Committee, 2023)
Another former member of parliament spoke about the necessity of clear rules to govern social networks. The discussion highlighted a push toward self-regulation on major platforms, with lawmakers and stakeholders seeking norms that guide online conduct without restricting personal expression. The broader trend points to a federation-wide effort to craft practical frameworks that can adapt to evolving digital communication while upholding user rights. (citation: State Duma Information Policy Committee, 2023)
A recurring theme across these debates is the tension between accountability and freedom of expression in a digital age. Proponents argue that clear expectations for conduct help reduce misinformation and abuse, while opponents warn against overreach that could chill legitimate voices. The conversations reflect a desire to find a middle ground—one that imposes responsibility for online behavior without stifling individual voices or slowing the free flow of information. Observers note that any forthcoming rules would need to address not only explicit statements but also the cascading effects of likes, shares, and reposts that amplify content across networks. (citation: State Duma Information Policy Committee, 2023)